N EW YORK — Red, white and blue are at the heart of the Fourth of July holiday.

Mix them, embrace them, wear them — and do so again on July 5 and even all year long.

The colors, a classic combination, celebrate summertime in all its glory, according to style
experts, and offer something infinitely more wearable than the pairings that define other specific
days on the calendar.

Together, the shades are chic, not costumelike — a much higher risk with, say, the black and
orange of Halloween or red and green of Christmas.

“Red, white and blue are iconic,” says Tommy Hilfiger, who weaves the colors into seemingly
every collection no matter the season or trend.

“These colors reflect freedom, optimism and a youthful spirit. I’ve always been inspired by
iconic people and places, and my American heritage is one of the most recognizable influences in my
designs. The brand has always drawn inspiration from our classic American, cool heritage and
signature preppy style.”

And, adds Tim Baxter, executive vice president and general merchandise manager of apparel at
Macy’s, the colors aren’t just a source of American pride: The Brits and French also use them in
their flags.“It’s a very bold and powerful color combination,” he says.

The crispness of the colors — and the sharp contrast — works in their favor, explains Alia
Ahmed-Yahia, chief style director of the Loft.It’s not the same with other holiday-specific
palettes.

First, she says, it’s grounded in white, an easy base for any summer outfit from Memorial Day to
Labor Day — and even longer if you’re willing to break some outdated “rules.” White is flattering
to most people. It’s polished but not severe, as black would be.

Navy, Baxter says, is getting its due as a fashion color, too, and shoppers are using it as they
would a shade of black.“I think we’re shifting into a period of fashion where navy will become a
more influential base color throughout the year.”

A red headband or scarf ties an everyday white T-shirt and jeans into a barbecue outfit.

Costume designer Eric Daman often puts Leighton Meester’s
Gossip Girl character in red, white and blue, but, he says, he is also keenly aware of
balance, which doesn’t mean evenness. Stars are OK, stripes are OK, and sometimes they’re even OK
together.

His favorite trick is a nautical theme: It could be a blue-and-red-striped bateau neck top with
white jeans, or a blue-and-white-striped rugby with washed-out red shorts. “It’s a very Nantucket
way to do it,” says Daman, a style adviser to retailer Century 21.A navy blazer, a red tank and
white pants offer a slightly dressier look.

Color blocking remains a strong trend in fashion now, too, and that works with red, white and
blue. Think mod — and use white as the ground.

There is a way to keep it all feeling fresh, even if it’s familiar, Hilfiger says.

“Over the years, I’ve looked at the iconic color palette in so many ways. We used rich burgundy
and deep navy for fall, while royal blue and ‘Tommy’ red defined the spring collection. There are
an endless number of ways to work with these colors.”

Men can pull it off, too, especially with increasingly popular colored denim.

“Our most savvy customers,” Baxter says, “know how to add a piece of red, white and blue to
their existing wardrobe to make their own look that suits them.”